By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
South Padre Island wants to hear from residents regarding a proposed boat ramp at the western end of Marisol Street. A 30- day window for comments is now open, giving the community a chance to voice their thoughts.
The comment period kicked off on May 8 and runs through June 6, 2025. The ambitious plan includes a new ramp with scour protection to stabilize the shoreline and an ADA-accessible dock, aiming to ensure access to the Laguna Madre for everyone.
Funding, often a deciding factor in project momentum, will be provided by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Boating Access Grant and the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund. Construction, once started, is expected to take about 46 months. The ramp will measure 20 feet by 59 feet and 9 inches. A rock rip rap at the bottom would be installed to prevent erosion.
Protecting water quality during construction is a key part of the plan. A cofferdam and silt curtains will be used to keep sediment from entering the waterway and clouding the surrounding area. The design focuses on minimizing environmental impact while creating a durable, safe ramp.
Rehabilitating the existing ramp on Palm Street was considered but ruled out due to several impassable hurdles. The right-of-way at the site is too narrow for expansion, and moving stormwater infrastructure would require access to private property.
Previous efforts to restore that ramp were unsuccessful due to these same hurdles.
South Padre Island is built around its waterfront, and with boating central to both lifestyle and economy, the city is eager to hear from residents to ensure this project works for both the community and the environment. According to a 1995 report from the Texas Water Development Board, the Laguna Madre region sees over 2.8 million annual visits for bay and estuary-related recreational activities, highlighting the significant role of boating in the local economy.
For more information or to review the environmental assessment, visit www.myspi.org or stop by 321 Padre Boulevard.
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